EP0299091A1 - Light-signalling device - Google Patents

Abstract

A light signaling device of the "fictitious anti-reflective" type comprises a collimator with a reflector (2), a light source (10) located in the focal point (F) of the collimator, and a light beam absorber (3 ). The reflector (2) and the absorber (3) are oriented relative to each other so that a focal beam (4) directed opposite to a focal beam (5) falling on the reflector ( 2), falls on the absorber (3). The reflector (2) can be of the mirror type or can consist of catadioptric rings (32) with total internal reflection. The device excludes the effect of fictitious signals resulting from outside light and increases the contrast of light signals during the day.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to lighting technology, more precisely to light signal device.

Most effectively, the present invention can be applied to directional light signaling devices that operate under conditions of outside exposure (sunlight and sky light and the like), i.e. in the traffic signal lights, especially in the vehicle direction indicators and brake lights, as well as in the traffic lights and railway light signals.

Another possible area of application of the present invention includes light indicators of various uses.

The visibility, recognizability of light signals at the time of day, i.e. The likelihood of an error-free and rapid determination of whether a signal light (e.g. a traffic light) is on not only depends on its own light intensity, but also on the level of external exposure that produces light spots from its optical parts, which reduce the signal contrast and even from the observer recorded as wrong signals ("phantom effect"). The light spots are possible in any direction, but the phantom effect is particularly disadvantageous in the informationally important directions (along the intrinsic radiation axis and in the directions close to this axis). In the stationary light signaling devices (traffic lights, railway light signals), light protection parasols are used to combat the phantom effect, which are not very effective in low sun conditions and enlarge the dimensions of the device. In traffic signal lights, where the use of light shields is difficult, the required degree of contrast is achieved thanks to a relatively high light intensity. The increasing demands on traffic safety lead to the introduction of higher standards for the light intensity of the signal lights, but this leads to the fact that these lights appear dazzling at dark times of the day. At present, optical circuits are known where the phantom effect is right

expensive (in mass production) means is eliminated, which prevents their general application.

Underlying state of the art

A contrast light signal device is known (GB, A, 1591013) which contains a concave reflector with a light source in its focal point. To eliminate the phantom effect, the exit opening of the reflector is covered by a light-absorbing screen with fine holes, through which the useful radiation of the device is carried out with the aid of lenticular screens.

The invention of a light-absorbing screen with light-guiding holes is also the basis of many later inventions (SU-A No. 1173128), but for its practical application one has to overcome some technological difficulties which are associated with the production of perforated screens and grids.

The concave reflector of the light signal device can be both a specular reflector and a catadioptric reflector, i.e. be made of a transparent material in the form of prismatic elements with total reflection (GB-A No. 2069124). The catadioptric reflectors, when used in the light signal devices as well as the mirror reflectors, require special measures to be taken to prevent exposure to the outside.

In terms of its technical nature, the registered solution comes closest to a traffic signal device, namely a traffic light (Ju. A. Kremenetz, MP Pechersky "Tekhnicheskie sredstva regulirovania dorozhnogo dvizhenia""Technical means for road traffic) regulation" /, 1921, publisher "Transport", Lloskaa, SS. %% - 81), which contains a paraboloidal concave reflector (collimator) with a light source in its focal point as well as an external exposure radiation absorber in the form of black plates, which are located in the meridional collimator planes ("Anti-; phanton-Kreuzt "). These plates basically have unresolvable slots for the sub-ear of a light source, through which the outside rays of light pass in the vicinity of the kollimat or br en n point and after they have passed from the paraboloid Mirrors were blasted back, are blasted along the collimator axis together with the useful beams of the device. Thus, by eliminating the light spots of the external exposure in the lateral directions, the aforementioned light signal device is practically not protected against the external exposure in the informationally important directions close to the device axis.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has for its object to provide such a light signal device in which the reflector and the light beam absorber would be designed in such a way and arranged relative to one another that at any position of the external exposure sources a complete elimination of the light points caused by these sources in the Direction of the observation axis would be guaranteed.

The object is achieved in that in a light signal device which contains a collimator with reflector, a light source arranged in the focal point of the collimator and a light beam absorber, the absorber surface cuts part of the beam of the collimator according to the invention, the reflector and the absorber being in one are mutually arranged in such a way that any focal beam, which is directed opposite to the focal beam incident on the reflector, is incident on the absorber.

The construction of the light signal device proposed according to the invention makes it possible to eliminate the phantom effect and to suppress the light spots of the external exposure in the axial radiation directions independently of the external exposure direction. This is achieved in that only the useful radiation of the device can spread in the direction of the beam incident on the reflector of the collimator (and after the retroreflection along the axis of the same) because only the own radiation source on the optical-geometric line of this propagation of the device, while in the way of a possible spread of the external exposure rays in the same direction there is a corresponding decrease Sorber section is located.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the reflector is designed in the form of a concave mirror, the mirror and the absorber forming a surface which comprises the light source from the side which is opposite to the light opening of the device.

In this embodiment, the construction of the device is simplest, because the design of the absorber and reflector in the form of a common surface which surrounds the light source allows them to be united with the inner surface of the device housing.

wo es bedeutet:

• V - Abstand zwischen Brennpunkt und Ebene;
• g - maximaler Abstand vom Brennpunkt bis zu der Linie, die die Oberflächen des Spiegels und Absorbers trennt;
• ξ- Nutzstreuwinkel des Gerätes.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the concave mirror is limited by the light opening of the device and a plane which intersects the collimator axis in front of the collimator focal point at any angle, with at least the mirror part adjoining the plane having a parabolic, confocal profile with the collimator, while the plane lies at a distance from the focal point, which is determined using the following formula:

where it means:

• V - distance between focal point and plane;
• g - maximum distance from the focal point to the line separating the surfaces of the mirror and absorber;
• ξ- useful scattering angle of the device.

In this embodiment of the invention, the phantom effect can be eliminated not only in the axial, but also in any predetermined signal observation area that coincides, for example, with the useful scattering angle of the device. This is ensured by the fact that for an arbitrarily chosen point on the reflector the corresponding absorber section has sufficiently large angular dimensions (due to the distance of the cutting plane from the focal point).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the plane intersects the light opening of the device, the front part of the absorber being concave in the direction of the reflecting mirror surface and by the light opening conceals the inner surface of the absorber.

In this embodiment, the construction of the device ensures various design options when executing a signal lantern on the streamlined structure of a means of transport. The device is particularly useful in the development of a signal light unit (for example a direction indicator) with other light devices (for example with a motor vehicle headlight) because it ensures the compactness of the individual components of this unit.

An embodiment is also possible in which the mirror is composed of parts separated by individual absorber sections, the surfaces of which are limited by the light opening of the device and the meridional planes.

In this embodiment, the device has a profiled configuration of the light opening that is important for informational purposes and can be used in the light indicators for special purposes.

It is particularly expedient to design the reflector in the form of a concave mirror, which lies behind the focal plane of the collimator, while the absorber consists of two individual parts: an outer part which has the shape of a truncated conical surface which connects to the front edge of the reflector and adjoins widened towards the light opening of the device at an angle not exceeding the useful scattering angle, and also an inner part which has the shape of a cup which comprises the light source from the side of the light opening of the device.

In this embodiment, the device guarantees, thanks to a small reflector depth with a peripheral angle of up to 180 ^°, minimal axial dimensions at maximum (for the antiphantom light devices), utilization of the luminous flux supplied by the light source.

The exit opening of the collimator can be covered by a protective glass - a light filter - the surface of which can be turned by rotating a parabolic branch around the device axis is formed, wherein the parabola axis extends over the generatrix of the conical absorber part, while the focal point and the pole of the parabola are each at the front and rear edge of the conical absorber.

This embodiment ensures maximum avoidance of the phantom effect and the best contrast of the light signals in a strictly limited area of the observation directions, because in this area the light spots of the external exposure are not only eliminated by the reflector but also by the protective glass. This embodiment is expediently used in the light signals or traffic lights with a long range.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the reflector is formed from a transparent material in the form of a total reflection surface, the absorber surface comprising the light source and the reflecting surface from the side which is opposite to the light opening of the device.

In this embodiment of the invention, the reflector also fulfills the functions of a light filter because it can be produced from a material that is colored in the color of the respective signal. In addition, there is no need to apply a mirror layer to the reflector.

The reflector can be designed in the form of catadioptric rings, each of which has the profile of a prism wedge, which has a light-refracting entry surface, a total beam reflection surface and a light-refracting exit surface, the rings being located in front of the focal plane of the collimator and having such a profile that an optical-geometric beam, which connects two diametrically opposite points of the reflecting surface of the same ring, intersects this surface at an angle which is smaller than the total reflection angle.

In this embodiment of the device, the light spots of the external exposure are not only in the axial but also in the lateral observation directions presses because the reflector surface lets the light shine through the black device housing in these directions. This allows such a scheme to be used in the light signal devices with a wide observation angle range, for example in the light signals or traffic lights of both large and small ranges.

wo ϕ den Winkel zwischen der Kollimatorachse und dem auf den jeweiligen Ring einfallenden Brennstrahl bedeutet.According to one embodiment of the invention, the catadioptric rings are formed on a paraboloidal base layer, the reflecting surface of each ring with its entry and exit surfaces forming an angle ν which can be determined from the following formulas:

where ϕ means the angle between the collimator axis and the focal beam incident on the respective ring.

In this embodiment of the invention, the catadioptric rings forming the reflector are formed on a common base layer, which allows the reflector to be manufactured as a completely pressed part, thereby ensuring the manufacturing suitability of the device.

w o es bedeutet:

• ψ- Kegelwinkel der reflektierenden Oberfläche;
• ϕ- Winkel zwisohen der Kollimatorachse und der optischen Achse des Ringlinsenprofils;
• n - Brechungsindex des Reflektorwerkstoffs.

The collimator very conveniently includes an annular converging lens upstream of the focal plane, the circular axis of symmetry of which extends over the collimator axis, the optical axis of its profile passing through the common focal point of the collimator and this lens at an acute angle to the collimator axis and the exit aperture of the lens corresponds to the entrance aperture of the reflector, the catadioptric rings of which are made on the conical base layer, which widens in the direction of the exit opening of the collimator and has a blind opening, the diameter of which is not less than the maximum diameter of the ring-shaped lens, while the angle ν between the reflecting surface and the entrance surfaces of the catadioptric rings is selected using the following formula:

where it means:

• ψ- cone angle of the reflective surface;
• ϕ- angle between the collimator axis and the optical axis of the ring lens profile;
• n - refractive index of the reflector material.

In this embodiment of the device, the catadioptric rings have the same profile, which means the design and calculation of the optical scheme of the device and the manufacture of the pressing tool for the fully pressed. Simplified reflector.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the blind reflector opening is covered from the side of the exit opening of the collimator by a disk-shaped converging lens, the connecting surfaces of the rings of which are parallel to the collimator axis.

Thanks to the use of an additional lens in the collimator, which covers the blind reflector opening, the brightness distribution at the outlet opening of the device is improved because a dark spot in the center is removed, but the efficiency is increased. The light spots from the connecting surfaces of the Fresnel rings of the lens mentioned are excluded at least in the axial directions.

The collimator parts made of a transparent material can have neridional slots which are filled with a black dye.

The additional light-absorbing sections located in the meridional planes contribute to the complete elimination of the light spots of the external exposure in the lateral directions thanks to the absorption of extra-meridional rays. The application of the slit Shaped light-absorbing sections simplifies the construction because these absorbing sections are not designed as separate parts.

In addition, it is expedient that the cone angle of the reflecting reflector surface would be twice as small as the angle between the collimator axis and the optical axis of the ring lens profile and twice as large as the angle between the reflecting surface and the light-refracting surfaces of the catadioptric rings.

In this case, a relatively high degree of efficiency is ensured with minimal material expenditure for the catadioptric conical reflector, due to a constant base layer thickness, which is achieved thanks to the utilization of the Fresnel reflection of the light supplied by the device source from the exit surfaces of the catadioptric rings.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the exit surfaces of the catadioptric rings of the reflector are parallel to the optical axis of the ring lens profile, the thickness of the reflector support layer and the width of the refractive surfaces of the catadioptric rings decreasing in the direction of the exit opening of the collimator.

In this embodiment of the invention tadioptrischen rings of the device thanks to avoid light losses between the input surfaces of the k _a maximum utilization of the luminous flux delivered by the light source, that is, a maximum efficiency of the device with a conical reflector katatioptrischen achieved.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine Variante des Prinzipschemas des Gerätes mit einem Spiegelreflektor, das die Hauptprinzipien seines Aufbaus und seiner Funktion erläutert;
• Fig. 2,3 -Schema eines Verkehrslichtes (jeweils Axialschnitt und Ansicht im Plan) mit stromlinienförmiger Gehäusekonfiguration;
• Fig. 4, 5 ein Schema eines Lichtanzeigers (jeweils Axialschnitt und Ansicht im Plan), der eine informationsrelevante Form der Lichtöffnung besitzt;
• Fig. 6 einen Signalscheinwerfer mit einem klar bestimmten Bereich von Beobachtungsrichtungen, die von den Lichtstellen der Außenbelichtung frei sind;
• Fig. 7 ein Schema des Gerätes mit einem paraboloidischen katadioptrischen Reflektor;
• Fig. 8 ein Prinzipschema, das den Strahlengang im katadioptrischen Reflektor erläutert;
• Fig. 9 eine Ausführungsform von meridionalen lichtabsorbierenden Elementen in Form von schwarzen Schlitzen im Körper des katadioptrischen Reflektors;
• Fig. 10 ein Schema eines Signallichtes mit einer ringförmigen Linse und einem kegeligen katadioptrischen Reflektor;
• Fig. 11 ein Schema des Kollimators mit einem katadioptrischen Reflektor mit veränderlicher Tragschichtstärke.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof and from the attached drawings; in the drawings shows:

• Figure 1 shows a variant of the basic scheme of the device with a mirror reflector, which explains the main principles of its structure and its function.
• Fig. 2.3 scheme of a traffic light (each axial section and view in the plan) with a streamlined housing configuration;
• Fig. 4, 5 is a diagram of a light indicator (each axial section and view in the plan), which has an information-relevant form of the light opening;
• 6 shows a signal spotlight with a clearly defined range of observation directions which are free from the light spots of the external exposure;
• 7 shows a diagram of the device with a paraboloidal catadioptric reflector;
• 8 shows a schematic diagram which explains the beam path in the catadioptric reflector;
• 9 shows an embodiment of meridional light-absorbing elements in the form of black slits in the body of the catadioptric reflector;
• 10 shows a diagram of a signal light with an annular lens and a conical catadioptric reflector;
• 11 shows a diagram of the collimator with a catadioptric reflector with variable base layer thickness.

Best embodiment of the invention

The light signal device (Fig. 1) contains a light source 1 (filament of an electric lamp), which is located in the focal point F of the collimator with an axis 00 '(it is also the device axis), which is designed in the form of a reflector 2, and one Light beam absorber 3. The absorber 3 is designed as a black light-absorbing surface, which extends outside the meridional plane at an angle to the focal rays (ie the rays emanating from the focal point F) by cutting part of the flow thereof and has such a shape and has such dimensions that any focal jet 4, which is directed opposite a focal jet 5, which is incident on the working surface of the reflector 2, falls on the surface of the absorber 3. In other words, there is an ent for each point C of the reflector 2 on the surface of the absorber 3 speaking point P is present, such that the beams FC and FP are directed in opposite directions (it cannot be said that the line CP is always a straight line, because in the presence of optically active bodies, for example a lens, between the light source 1 and the reflector 2, as shown in FIG. 8, the beams can change their direction).

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, this condition is met in that the reflector 2 and the absorber 3 form a uniform surface over the inner surface of the housing, which comprises the source 1 from the side opposite the light opening SS 'of the device , the entire reflecting surface being designed as part of the mirror rotation paraboloid with the axis 00 'and a focal point F, is limited by the light opening SS' of the device (the entry opening of the collimator) and the cut of the paraboloid, which is cut by cutting it with a plane VV 'is created which intersects the collimator axis 00' in front of the focal point F at an arbitrarily selected angle α (0 <α≤ 90 °), for example α = 60 °. The light opening SS 'is covered by a protective glass 6 which at the same time fulfills the functions of a light filter, the central part of which can be embodied in the form of a collecting lens 7 which covers the blind collimator opening, which is cut off by cutting the tip of the paraboloid mirror 2 through the plane VV'. arose.

The device works in the following way. The light rays 8, which are emitted by the source 1 and are incident on the reflector 2, are reflected and through a light opening SS '(to obtain the required color thanks to the passage through the light filter 6) along the collimator axis 00' (the informational most important direction) as a useful light signal. A part of the signal luminous flux is generated by rays 9 of the source 1 after refraction by the lens 7. This eliminates a dark spot in the center of the light opening SS '. The outside exposure rays 10 (for example from motor vehicle headlights) that fall onto the reflector along axis 00 'are reflected by it in the direction of the focal point F in accordance with the law of reversibility of the optical-geometric beam path and either from source 1 (from the filament) or absorbed by the portion of the absorber 3 that lies behind the light source opposite the reflection point of the beam 10. The external exposure rays 11, which reach the reflector 2 at an angle to the axis 00 '(for example rays of sunlight or sky light), are likewise either reflected on the absorber 3 or pass through the light opening SS' after a series of internal reflections in the device. at an angle to the signal emission axis 00 '(and to the signal observation axis 00'). The impossibility of creating light spots due to the external exposure from the reflector 2 in the direction of the device axis can be made clear according to the principle of educational proof. Assume that a certain beam 11 from an external source emerges after an arbitrary number of reflections from a point C of the reflector 2 not at an angle to the axis 00 ', but parallel to it; then the beam directed backwards towards it emerges after the same number of reflections in the reverse order through the light opening SS '(onto the external source of the beam 11), but this cannot be because each beam which is directed to the point C of the reflector 2 from the outside parallel to the axis 00 ', reflected in the direction of the focal point F and absorbed in the corresponding point P of the absorber 3. In this way, the main direction of observation for the signals of the device along the emission axis 00 'thereof is protected against the light spots caused by the external exposure, regardless of the size of the angle at which the external sources irradiate the reflector 2. The creation of such light spots is only possible if the signal observation line deviates in angle from the axis 00 '. In the event of a slight deviation, they arise from the zones of the reflector 2 which adhere to the blind opening thereof lie. The converging lens 7 deflects a considerable part of the light spots from the axis 00 ', but with high optical power the probability of the light spots arising from the lens itself increases.

wo g den Abstand vom Brennpunkt F bis zum am meisten entfernten Punkt einer cie reflektierende und die absorbierende Oberflächen trennenden Kurve bedeutet.For most light signal devices, not only is the informationally significant the direction along the axis 00 ', but also the directions in a certain range of angles to the emission axis. It can be regarded as the same as the useful scattering angle ξ of the device. The avoidance of false signals, which are generated by the exposure in the entire angular range ξ, is achieved by increasing the circumference of the absorbing surface 3 due to a reduction in the reflecting surface, so that compared to an arbitrarily selected point C of the reflector 2 (including also that at the edge of the blind opening) of the section of the absorber 3 enclosing the respective point P has finite angular dimensions which are sufficiently large with respect to the point C and which are not smaller than CP on different sides of the line CP. In the device according to FIG. 1, the section plane VV 'is for this purpose at a distance V from the focal point F, which distance V is determined according to the following formula;

where g is the distance from the focal point F to the most distant point of a curve reflecting and separating the absorbent surfaces.

abweichen. Wenn das Parabelprofil in der Nähe der EbenE VV' gestört ist, kann der Betrag von V größer oder kleiner als der in der Formel (1) angegebene Wert sein.In the case of an ideal paraboloid, the required expansion of the useful radiation scattering angle (up to the amount ξ) is achieved either by finite dimensions of the filament 1 or by a reduction in the optical power of the lens 7 or by light-scattering elements 12 provided on the scanning glass 6 or on the reflector 2 itself guaranteed. In the latter case, the amount of V can be increased to a value of no more than V = g.sin (ξ + ξ '), where ξ' means the scattering angle on the elements 12 depending on their position. The scatter inside half of the angle ξ can also be achieved by deviating the surface of the specular reflector 2 from the exact paraboloid, for which purpose its meridional profile should include sections which differ from the parabolic confocal with the device by an angle of the order of

differ. If the parabolic profile near the level VV 'is disturbed, the amount of V can be greater or less than the value given in formula (1).

Taking into account the required scattering angle: the function of the device gains the following special features. The beams 8 and 9 emitted by the source 1 are emitted by the collimator within the useful scattering angle ξ along the axis 00 '. The external exposure beams 10, which are incident on an arbitrarily selected point C of the device reflector within the angle ξ, are absorbed in the vicinity of a corresponding point P of the absorber 3. The rays 11 from external sources, which run at an angle greater than ξ with respect to the axis 00 ', can avoid striking the absorber 3 after a series of reflections, but their light spots are directed at angles which exceed the amount ξ . Thus, the proposed device scheme can be designed for any predetermined range of informationally important directions in such a way that it will always ensure the suppression of the light spots caused by the external exposure in these directions, regardless of how differently the external exposure sources are arranged with respect to the device axis 00 " would be.

The angle α between the axis 00 'and the section plane VV' can be as small as desired (and even zero), the position of the light opening SS 'and the shape of the protective glass 6 can also be different, so that the plane VV' is cut with the surface of the light opening of the device is possible. ie the light opening SS 'can be partially adjacent to the reflector 2 and partially to the absorber 3. This variant is shown in axial section and in the front view in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The blind opening in the reflector 2 (ie the inner part of the absorber 3, which is visible along the axis 00 ') is in this Case expediently not covered by a lens, but by the front part of the absorber 3 which is bent against the reflecting surface, which allows the lantern dimensions to be reduced, the light opening SS '(FIG. 3) taking on an original crescent shape. A different inclination of the cutting plane VV 'with different inclinations and shape of the light opening SS' ensures wide design options when designing signal lights of streamlined design, which are intended for fastening to complicatedly shaped parts of means of transport. For example, the diagram of Fig. 2, 3 is useful when throwing in the front direction indicator in a common unit with the motor vehicle headlight, in which the edge of its reflector 13 protrudes into the concavity of the crescent-shaped light opening of the direction indicator and one with the same common line of a lens 14 may have.

The collimator of the device can consist of individual isolated mirrors and have a light opening of complicated shape, for example isolated zones of the reflector 2 can be delimited by meridional planes. 4, 5, a light signal device is shown in axial section and in front view, the reflector 2 of which consists of three zones of a mirror paraboloid, which are separated from one another by three meridional planes 15, which are along the axis 00 'at a multiple of 60 ° intersect each other. The spaces between the zones of the reflector 2 and between the zones of the light opening SS ', which lie perpendicular to the axis 00' with respect to the zones of the reflector 2 and are covered by individual sections of the light filter 6, are designed as light-absorbing zones 3, with the zones of the reflector 2 form a surface which comprises the light source 1 from the side which is opposite to the light opening.

The beam 8 of the light source 1 is incident on the reflector 2 and is passed through the light opening SS ' broadcast. The outside exposure rays 10, 11, which are indented into the interior of the device, strike the absorber 3 either immediately or after reflection from the mirror zones 2. The light opening (Fig. 5) has the characteristic shape of the sign "Caution! Radiation", which determines the possible application of the light signal device described. Other informationally important forms of light opening that are characteristic of various light indicators, for example pedestrian traffic lights, are also possible, the position and shape of the reflecting and light-absorbing zones inside the device having to be coordinated with the shape of the light opening SS '.

wo ξ^' ≤ ξ/2 ist und die Winkelabweichung des Reflektors 2 vom Paraboloid bedeutet, die in der Umgebung des Punktes C als annehmbar gilt.6 shows a signal headlight with a clearly depicted useful scattering angle ± ξ. The filament 1 of an electric lamp 16 is located in the focal point F of a facet reflector 2, which mainly consists of flat mirrors with an angular dimension ξ with respect to the point F on the paraboloidal base body. The focal plane runs in front of the reflector 2; the peripheral angle of the reflector 2 can reach 180 ° if its peripheral mirrors 17 have the profile of a parabola 18 in the meridional plane, the focal point B of which lies at the aperture limit of the reflector 2, while the axis BB 'is at an angle ξ to the axis 00' of the device and cuts this in front of the light opening SS 'of this device. The absorber 3 consists of a cut-off cone 19 with a height H> D / 4 and a cone angle ξ, the smaller diameter of which bears against the edge of the reflector 2, and an absorption cup 20 which comprises the light source 1 with a circumferential angle of 180 °. The diameter d of the cup is chosen on the condition that the straight line AC, which runs through the front edge of the cone 19 and the (rear) edge of the cup, the mirror 2 at an angle to the direction (out of the intersection point C) intersects at the focal point F, which angle is not less than ξ, whereby, among others, a value is permissible that results from the following equations can be determined:

where ξ ^' ≤ ξ / 2 and means the angular deviation of the reflector 2 from the paraboloid, which is considered acceptable in the vicinity of point C.

was die mechanischen Eigenschaften des Gerätes verbessert. Das Schutzglas 6 kann eine einfachere, kegelige Form besitzen, was aber zur Vergrößerung der axialen Abmessungen des Gerätes und der Fresnel-Nutzstrahlangsverluste führt.The embodiment of the headlamp which complies with equations (2) and is intended for use in traffic lights can have the following parameters: ξ ≈ 10 °, ξ ≈ 0 (in the vicinity of point C the mirror is strictly parabolic); H ₌ D / 3; d ₌ D / 5. The protective glass 6, which at the same time fulfills the functions of a light filter, has a rotating surface shape which was created by rotating one of the branches of a parabola 21 (about the axis of rotation 00 'of the device), the axis AB of which along the generatrix of the cone 19 (at an angle) ξ to the axis 00 '), while the focal point A and the pole B lie on the front and rear edge of the same. The protective glass 6 does not protrude beyond the front edge of the absorber 3, which is considered here as a housing part, in accordance with the relationship

which improves the mechanical properties of the device. The protective glass 6 can have a simpler, conical shape, but this leads to an increase in the axial dimensions of the device and the Fresnel useful beam loss.

The device (Fig. 6) operates in the following way. The rays 8 of the source 1 incident on the reflector 2 are emitted in the informationally important directions. The facet reflector 2 ensures a uniform glow over the light opening surface in any direction within a range ± ξ. The external exposure rays 10, which with the Ach se 00 'form a smaller angle, are reflected by the mirror 2 onto the surface of the absorber 3 according to the device construction. The outer rays 11, which form an angle greater than ξ with the axis 00 ', are either reflected at angles greater than zur to the axis 00', ie outside the area of the informationally important directions, or are also absorbed inside the device. An educational proof looks like this: taken, a light spot from an external source emerges from a mirror point at an angle smaller than ξ to the axis 00 'after an arbitrary number of internal reflections; then, according to the reversibility principle that applies to the optical-geometric rays, the reverse beam would also emerge from the device (towards the external source), but this contradicts the design of the device (the reverse beam is incident on the absorber). The Fresnel light spots from the protective glass 6 according to FIG. 6 which are caused by external sources are also only possible in the directions which form a ξ larger angle with the axis 00 ', because the directions 22 in which the protective glass 6 reflects informationally significantly from the Absorber 19 are covered.

The device according to FIG. 6 ensures, with relatively small axial dimensions, a maximum efficiency (for the antiphantom devices) (up to 50%) as well as the elimination of the phantom effect in a strictly limited area of the informationally important directions. A preferred area of application is light signals of medium and long range.

The collimator of the light signal device, which in the variants described above (FIGS. 1 to 6) represented a specular reflector 2, ie was produced by applying an opaque metallic coating to the optically smooth surface, can be designed in the form of a catadioptric reflector, namely from a transparent material of any color in the form of prismatic elements with total reflection. This version eliminates the need for a game gel layer and gives this reflector the function of a light filter (by producing it from a material colored in the color of the respective signal), and the catadioptric reflector also allows the outside exposure brightness to be reduced at large angles to the device axis. This is possible because, in contrast to specular reflection, the total reflection only takes place in a limited angular range, and the rays incident on the reflecting surface at an angle smaller than the critical angle shine through it without reflection and can be obtained from an additional absorber arranged behind the catadioptric reflector be absorbed.

7 consists of a light source 1, which is located in the focal point F on the axis 00 'of the device, a catadioptric reflector 2, which ensures total reflection of the focal rays onto the outlet opening SS', and a light beam absorber 3, which is on The inner surface of the device housing is designed and includes both the source 1 and the reflector 2 from the side, which is opposite to the outlet opening SS '. The reflector 2 consists of catadioptric rings 23 which are circularly symmetrical with respect to the axis 00 'and are embodied on a common base layer which widens in the direction of the light opening SS'. Each ring 23 has the profile of a prism wedge (FIG. 8), which has a light-refracting entry surface 24, a total reflection surface 25 and a light-refractive exit surface 26. The surfaces 24, 26 are designed on the inner, but the surfaces 25 on the outer base layer surface. On the side of its narrower part, the reflector 2 (more precisely its working area) has a blind opening, the plane VV 'of which lies in the focal plane of the collimator or somewhat in front of it, at a distance V from it. The entire light-reflecting surface of the collimator is thus arranged in front of its focal plane.

wo n den Brechungsindex des Werkstoffes des katadioptrischen Ringes 23 bedeutet.The profile of each ring 23 corresponds to that in Fig. 8 explained condition: the normal NN 'to the surface 25 of the ring 23 should have an angle γ which is not smaller than the total reflection critical angle with the focal beam 5 (ie the beam of the source 1 after its refraction through the surface 24) and a smaller than the critical angle Angle ω with the beam that connects two diametrically opposite points on the reflecting surface of the ring 23 (also taking into account the change of direction on the light-refracting surfaces), according to the relationship

where n is the refractive index of the material of the catadioptric ring 23.

For the rings 23 close to the plane of the blind opening, this means at ϑ → 0, ω → γ that at least the zones of the reflector 2 facing the focal plane should be designed for a function under the limit total reflection angle.

The fulfillment of the condition (4) excludes the possibility of a double reflection from the reflector 2, at least for the meridional rays, but the simple reflection of the external exposure rays leads to the incidence of the same on the absorber 3 in the zone of the blind opening or in a zone that includes the reflector 2. The catadioptric reflector 2 of the device of FIG. 7 is designed on the paraboloidal base layer with the tip cut off by the plane VV ', which base layer lies coaxially and confocal with the collimator. The light-refractive surfaces 24 and 26 form an equal angle ν with the reflecting surface, which has a paraboloidal profile, which can be selected within fairly wide limits for the rings 23 located away from the focal plane in accordance with the relationship (4). The maximum value

und die Strahlen, die in der Nähe des hinteren Randes des Reflektors 2, genauer durch den Schnittpunkt P der Parabel des Reflektors 2 mit deren Brennebene verlaufen, unter einem Grenzwinkel reflektiert werden. In diesem Fall erfährt kein von der entgegengesetzten Seite des Reflektors 2 kommender Strahl eine Totalreflexion.where ϕ means the angle between the focal beam 23 incident on the catadioptric ring 23 and the axis 00 'corresponds to the total limit reflection angle for all focal beams, this value ν being optimal for suppressing the external exposure, but with considerable losses of the useful radiation between the adjacent entrance surfaces related. The variant in which

and the rays that run near the rear edge of the reflector 2, more precisely through the intersection P of the parabola of the reflector 2 with its focal plane, are reflected at a critical angle. In this case, no beam coming from the opposite side of the reflector 2 experiences a total reflection.

wo es bedeutet:

• b - Halbmertsbreite des katadioptrischen Ringes;
• h - Stärke der Tragschicht des Reflektors.

The width of the surfaces 24, 26 of different catadioptric rings 23 is different with the same thickness of the base layer of the reflector 2 (this is necessary for matching the apertures of the surfaces 24, 25 and 26) and is calculated using the following formulas:

where it means:

• b - half-width of the catadioptric ring;
• h - thickness of the base layer of the reflector.

To eliminate the light spots from the passive rear end face of the base layer of the reflector 2, the profile of this end face is designed in the form of an acute-angled wedge 27, the surfaces of which form an angle of the order of 25 ° and less with the axis 00 '.

The collimator of the device can include a converging lens 7, which covers the blind opening of the reflector 2 and is recessed inside the same. A cylindrical absorber 28, which is arranged coaxially with the collimator in front of the lens 7 (there may be several absorbers installed in one another), suppresses the light spots from the Fresnel wide-angle lens 7 without covering the useful rays from the collimator 7. In the presence of the Fresnel rings of the lens 7 on the front of the base layer, the connecting surfaces 29 of these rings must be parallel to the axis 00 '. This embodiment of the lens 7 excludes the light spots from the connecting surfaces 29 at least in the axial direction.

The exit opening of the collimator is covered by the protective glass 6, which can be colorless if the reflector 2 and the lens 7 are made of a material colored according to the signal color. The protective glass 6 can contain scattering elements 12.

7, 8 operates in the following manner. The rays 5 from the light source 1, which are incident on the entrance surfaces 24 of the catadioptric rings 23, are refracted and are incident on the surface 25 at an angle γ, which corresponds to the relationship (4), are completely reflected and, after they have reached the Exit surface 26 have been broken, emitted in the form of rays 8 through the glass 6 along the axis 00 '. The rays 9 coming from the source 1, which are refracted by the lens 7, make up a smaller part of the collimator luminous flux. The external exposure beams 10, which form a small angle with the axis 00 ′, after being reflected by the reflector 2 or broken by the lens 7, fall through the blind opening of the reflector 2 onto the central part of the absorber 3. The outside exposure rays 11 intersecting the axis 00 'at a large angle, after having experienced no more than a single reflection, shine through the reflecting surface (surfaces 25) according to the relationship (4) and are absorbed by the zone of the absorber 3 comprising the reflector 2. If the cylindrical absorber 28 is present, some of the rays 11 are absorbed by it.

If the outer beam 11 is not in the meridional plane, then depending on the degree of deviation thereof and the size of the angle γ at the points of fall of the beam onto the reflector 2 and depending on the curvature of the catadioptric ring 23, it can experience more than one reflection and emerge through the light opening SS 'at a certain angle to the radiation axis 00'. Such rays are mostly suppressed by the meridional absorption plates. Instead of the plates as individual components of the device, meridional slots 30 can be provided in the construction of the catadioptric reflector 2 (and other collimator elements made of transparent material, in which the focal beam does not leave the plane of the axis 00 '), which slots are filled with a black dye 9, where the reflector 2 of the device according to FIG. 7 is shown from that of the blind opening. The dye should be in optical contact with the material of the reflector 2, i.e. prevent total reflection from the inner surface of the slot (since this would otherwise only result in damage and no use).

für alle katadioptrischen Ringe 23 des Reflektors 2 gilt.The influence of the extra-meridional external exposure rays on the signal contrast is very slight, provided that

applies to all catadioptric rings 23 of the reflector 2.

gilt, wo es bedeutet:

• ν - Winkel zwischen der Eintrittsfläche und der reflektierenden Fläche jeses Ringes;
• n - Brechungsindex des Werkstoffes des Reflektors 2.

In the collimators of FIGS. 10, 11, the reflector 2 has the shape of a cut-off cone with a cone angle ψ and is completed by an annular converging lens 31 in front of the focal plane, the diameter of which corresponds to the diameter of the blind opening present in the reflector 2 (in the narrower cone part) does not exceed. The axis FE of the profile of the lens 31 runs through a common focal point F of the collimator and this lens at an angle ϕ to the axis 00 'of the collimator, the 90 ° Light exceeds and cuts the reflector 2. All rays 5 emerging from point F and broken by lens 31 run parallel to this axis, as a result of which different catadioptric rings 23 of reflector 2 have the same (FIG. 10) or a similar ( Fig. 11) may have a profile that corresponds to the right limit of formula (4), since here the relationship

applies where it means:

• ν - angle between the entrance surface and the reflecting surface of that ring;
• n - refractive index of the material of the reflector 2.

und die Verluste der unmittelbar auf die Austrittsfläche 26 einfallenden Strahlen 32 der Lichtquelle 1 durch deren Fresnel-Reflexion unter großen Winkeln von den Flächen 26 und 24 in Richtung der Kollimatorachse 00' teilweise kompensiert werden, so insbesondere für n = 1, 5; ψ = 34°.The reflector of the collimator of Fig. 10 has a constant thickness h of the base layer, ψ = 2 ψ, a case of particular interest if

and the losses of the rays 32 of the light source 1 directly incident on the exit surface 26 are partially compensated for by their Fresnel reflection at large angles from the surfaces 26 and 24 in the direction of the collimator axis 00 ', in particular for n = 1, 5; ψ = 34 °.

Eine einzelne Variante der Kollimatorausführung gemäβ Fig. 11 besitzt folgende Parameter: n = 1,5; (ϕ = 70°; ψ = 41,4°; ν - 10,8°; ν' = 28,6° ν und ν' sind Winkel, die die Fläche 25 mit den jeweiligen Flächen 24 und 26 bildet), wobei der Winkel zwischen der reflektierenden.Oberfläche und der Tangente zur vorderen Oberfläche des Reflektors 2 (keilförmige Tragschicht) δ = 8,5° beträgt.in the collimator of FIG. 11 the loss of luminous flux between the adjacent catadioptric rings 23 is eliminated thanks to the absence of the constant thickness of the base layer, since in this case the surfaces 26 are parallel to the axis of the profile of the lens 31; applies

A single variant of the collimator design according to FIG. 11 has the following parameters: n = 1.5; (ϕ = 70 °; ψ = 41.4 °; ν - 10.8 °; ν '= 28.6 ° ν and ν' Angle that the surface 25 forms with the respective surfaces 24 and 26), the angle between the reflecting surface and the tangent to the front surface of the reflector 2 (wedge-shaped support layer) being δ = 8.5 °.

The blind opening of the conical reflector 2, the edge of which lies practically on the inner edge of the exit surface 26 of the first catadioptric ring 23 from the focal plane (FIG. 11), can be covered by an additional absorber or a converging lens 7. The lens 7 can be combined with the colorless spreader 6 in the case of a colorless reflector 2, and the required signal color is achieved by using a light filter 33 in the form of a cap that surrounds the light source 1 from the front. 10, the ring-shaped lens 31 is combined with the side surface of the light filter 33.

The use of an annular lens 31 with a conical reflector 2 simplifies the manufacture of the pressing tool required for the manufacture of the reflector 2 and enables an increase in the efficiency of the luminous flux coming from the light source 1 with limited axial dimensions of the device.

The scheme of Fig. 7 is preferably intended for medium and long range light signals; 10 and 11 are preferably applied in the traffic signal lights.

In order to avoid an axial phantom effect on the part of the glass bulb of the respective electric light source, one should aim for large piston dimensions with a shape that is maximally different from the spherical one (with the filament in the center of the sphere) for each collimator. The normal NN 'to the glass bulb surface, which is set up in the interfaces of the same by the focal rays incident on the most effective reflector zones, must run at a maximum angle μ (see FIG. 6) to these rays, which is guaranteed to be greater than the amount ξ / 12 , where ξ means the effective angle of the device.

Industrial applicability

The present invention may be applied in light signal devices directed effect that under conditions of Auβenbelichtung (sun and sky light, as well as other sources) function, that is, tung indicators and brake lights, as well as in traffic lights and railway light signals in the traffic signal lights, for example in automotive F _a hrtrich- .

Claims (15)

1. Light signal device that a collimator with one. Reflector (2), a light source (1) located in the focal point (F) of the collimator and a light beam absorber (3), characterized in that the surface of the absorber (3) cuts part of the beam (4) of the collimator, the The reflector (2) and the absorber (3) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that each focal beam ( ₄ ), which is directed opposite to a focal beam (5) incident on the reflector (2), is directed onto the absorber (3). comes up with. 2. Light signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector (2) is designed in the form of a concave mirror, the mirror and the absorber (3) forming a surface that the light source (1) from the light opening SS ' opposite side of the device. 3. Light signaling device according to claim 2, characterized in that the concave mirror is limited by a license opening (SS ') of the device and a plane (VV') which defines the axis (JO ') of the collimator before its focal point ( F) intersects at an arbitrarily selected angle (α), at least the mirror part adjoining the plane (VV ') having a parabolic profile confocal with the collimator, while the plane (VV') is at a distance (V ), which is calculated using the following formula:

where it means: V - distance between the focal point (F) and the plane (VV '); g - maximum distance from the focal point (F) to the line separating the surfaces of the mirror and the absorber (3); ξ - useful scattering angle of the device. 4. Light signaling device according to claim 3, characterized g e-mark that the plane (VV ') the light cuts the opening (SS ') of the device, the front part of the absorber (3) being concave in the direction of the reflecting surface of the mirror and covering the inner surface of the absorber (3) from the side of the light opening (SS'). 5. Light signaling device according to claim 2, characterized in that the mirror consists of parts separated by sections of the absorber (3), the surfaces of which are limited by the light opening (SS ') of the device and meridional planes (15). 6. Light signal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector (2) is designed in the form of a concave mirror lying behind the focal plane of the collimator, while the absorber (3) consists of two individual parts: an outer part (19) has the shape of a truncated conical surface, which adjoins the front edge of the reflector (2) and widens towards the light opening (SS ') of the device at an angle not exceeding the useful scattering angle (ξ), as well as an inner part (20) which in the form of a cup comprising the light source (1) from the side of the light opening (SS ') of the device. 7. Light signaling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the outlet opening of the collimator is covered by a protective glass - a light filter (6) - the surface of which by rotating a branch of a parabola (21) about the axis (00 ") of the device is formed, the axis (AB) of the parabola (21) extending over the generatrix of the conical part (19) of the absorber (3), while the focal point (A) and the pole (B) of the parabola (21) each at the front or the rear edge of the conical absorber (19). 8. Light signal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reflector (2) is made of a transparent material in the form of a total reflection surface, the surface of the absorber (3) the light source (1) and the reflecting surface of the light opening (SS ') opposite side. 9. Light signal device according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflector (2) is designed in the form of catadioptric rings (23), each of which has the profile of a prism wedge, which has a light-refracting entry surface (24), a focal beam. Total reflection surface (25) and a light-refracting exit surface (26), the rings (23) being located in front of the focal plane and having such a profile that the two diametrically opposite points of the reflecting surface of each ring (23) connecting the optical-geometric beam intersects this surface at an angle (ω) that is smaller than the total reflection angle. 10. Light signaling device according to claim 9, characterized in that the catadioptric rings (23) are designed on a paraboloidal support layer, the reflecting surface of each ring (23) with its entry surface (24) and exit surface (26) making an angle ( ν), which is calculated using the following formulas:

where ϕ means the angle between the collimator axis and the focal beam (5) incident on this ring (23). 11. Light signal device according to claim 9, characterized in that the collimator includes an upstream of the focal plane annular converging lens (31) whose circular axis of symmetry extends over the axis (00 ') of the collimator, the optical axis (FE) of its profile through the common focal point (F) of the collimator and this lens (31) at an acute angle (ϕ) to the axis (00 ') of the collimator, the output aperture of the lens (31) matches the input aperture of the reflector (2), whose catadioptric rings (23) on one are conical base layer, which widens towards the exit opening (SS ') of the collimator and has a blind opening, the diameter of which is not less than the maximum diameter of the annular lens (31), while the angle (ν) between the reflecting surface and the entry surfaces (24) of the catadioptric rings (23) are selected according to the following formula:

where it means: ψ - cone angle of the reflecting surface; (ϕ - angle between the axis (00 ') of the collimator and the optical axis (FE) of the profile of the annular lens (31); n - refractive index of the material of the reflector (2). 12. Light signal device according to claims 10, 11, characterized in that the blind arrangement of the reflector (2) from the side of the outlet opening (SS ') of the collimator is covered by a disk-shaped converging lens (7), in which the connecting surface (29) Fresnel rings are parallel to the axis (ü0 ') of the collimator. 13. Light signal device according to claims 10, 11, 12, characterized in that the collimator parts made of a transparent material have meridional slots (30) which are filled with a black dye. 14. Light signal device according to claim 11, characterized in that the cone angle (ψ) of the reflecting surface of the reflector (2) is twice as small as the angle (ϕ) between the axis (00 ') of the collimator and the optical axis (FE ) of the profile of the annular lens (31) and twice as large as the angle (ν) between the reflecting surface and the light-refracting surfaces (24, 26) of the catadioptric rings (23). 15. Light signal device according to claim 11, characterized in that the outlet surfaces (26) of the catadioptric rings (23) of the reflector (2) are parallel to the optical axis (FE) of the profile of the annular lens (31), the strength of the Reduce the base layer of the reflector (2) and the width of the light-refractive surfaces (24, 26) of the catadioptric rings (23) towards the exit opening of the collimator.

Images